Medical Helicopter Crash Fatal For Pilot, 2 Workers

OTHER NEWS TO NOTE - NORTHEAST

December 11, 1991

DE RUYTER, N.Y. — A medical rescue helicopter crashed on the way to pick up a hospital patient, killing the pilot and two medical workers aboard, state police said. The helicopter, which was being leased by Southern Tier Air Rescue in Ithaca, crashed in dense woods near De Ruyter about 25 miles southeast of Syracuse late Monday night, troopers said. The helicopter was heading from Tompkins Community to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica to pick up a patient for transfer to a hospital in Elmira, authorities said. Firefighters said the 1984 Messerschmitt helicopter appeared to have crashed into a hillside.